Existence Quote by Lin Yutang
“I am willing to allow that smoking is a moral weakness, but on the other hand, we must beware of the man without weaknesses. He is not to be trusted. He is apt to be always sober and he cannot make a single mistake. His habits are likely to be regular, his existence more mechanical and his head always maintains its supremacy over his heart. Much as I like reasonable persons, I hate completely rational beings.”
About This Quote
Source Book: My Country and My People by Lin Yutang, 1935
The quote warns that flawless rationality can mask hidden moral flaws, making such people untrustworthy despite their apparent perfection.
In simple terms: Perfect rationality may hide moral weakness.
Key Takeaway
Beware of those who seem too perfect.
Themes
trust
rationality
humanity
morality
perfection
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
critical
cautionary
When to use this quote
- leadership assessment
- personal relationships
- team building
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- Can absolute rationality coexist with moral integrity?
- How do we balance reason and emotion?
A Different Perspective
A perfectly rational person may lack empathy and be prone to rigidity.
